Glenn P.

I utilize the 'song method' to teach students to play the guitar or the bass. By teaching students songs they love, I can keep them motivated, and use those songs to demonstrate the music theory involved with creating those songs. If the song is too difficult for the student, I can break it down into a manageable arrangement.

About Glenn

I started playing guitar and bass in my early teen years because I just couldn't wait to see a live concert. I thought if I could play the songs myself, it would be just as good. Well, it turns out that playing music you love yourself is even better than seeing a concert. You can make your own concert everyday!Since then I've been fortunate enough to work with a great deal of professional performers and to play many hundreds of successful live shows.Several years ago, I decided to focus on teaching. This was a great decision, because I truly love this work. I make a real difference in peo

ples lives, and help them achieve their goals, and sometimes even their dreams!

*** Lesson Details ***Students can expect fun lessons based on songs they love. Acoustic, electric, classical, and bass students are all welcome! I bring an amplifier and an iPod, and show you from day one how to play at least a part of a song that you really want to work on. I will be able to make some decisions about future lessons based upon the level of playing ability that the student displays. Once a student starts to get the hang of playing the basics, we can work on many songs and eventually learn to play solos.In addition, I explain all of the musical theory that the songs are based on, and you will be able to communicate with other musicians using the proper terminology and notation. I like to encourage the students to practice at least 20 minutes a day, rather than for a few hours once or twice a week. This way, your muscle memory stays sharp, and you can start to get comfortable playing the guitar or bass.More advanced students can expect to learn soloing, and playing along with other instruments, as well as making recordings, and composing original songs.For still more advanced students, I can explain how to play the hardest guitar and bass solos, and all that I have learned as a performer including how to put a band together, how to book shows, and how to choose cover songs, and how to arrange music for performance. My students always come first as teaching is my full time job, and I love what I do!

*** Studio Equipment ***I provide a practice amplifier with digital effects and a drum machine for all lessons. I provide a bass guitar amplifier in my studio for my bass students. I also bring a guitar to a bass lessons, and a bass to a guitar lessons, for my more advanced students, to have a 'band practice' type lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***I bring amplifiers to lessons, and printed teaching materials. Students just need their own instrument to play.

*** Specialties ***I specialize in teaching proper timing, tuning, technique, theory, composition, and performance. From beginner to performing professional, I can take you all the way. My style is rock, and I have a background in classical, country, blues, rock, heavy metal, and pop.

...

Reviews

michele H. November 27, 2013
Guitar Verified Student

A musician who is passionate about teaching

Glen is a talented musician with a gift and passion for teaching. He loves what he does and makes the most of lessons, tailored to your ability and his enthusiasm is contagious and keeps you wanting to play more.

Kelly G. March 18, 2013
Guitar Verified Student

Working great with a not-easy student

Glenn has done such a great job keeping a reluctant kid interested. I am so appreciative!!!!

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Glenn P.

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Glenn P.

Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007

(2)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

Bijan Z.

Because I have played Guitar for a long time, it was easy to play Bass Guitar. I have played Bass Guitar in different Rock ensembles and enjoyed the instrument. In this course I'll go through scales, accompaniment patterns and basic playing technique. After this course you'll be able to play a lof of songs alone and together with other instruments.

About Bijan

Hi!

I believe that music is rooted in all human beings and cultures in a reach and vast variety of forms. Music unifies and engages thinking and feeling in a direct and immediate way. Music influences individuals simultaneously on different levels of consciousness and form an important device for learning, recreation, arranging of conscious and unconscious impressions and at the same time for characterizing and conveying ideas and thoughts. This as a point of departure characterizes my teaching philosophy, which strives to create a climate in which my students can experience continuous mus

ical, intellectual, and emotional growth.

As a music instructor and musicologist I demonstrate the characteristics of professional and passionate for everything related to my teaching. I am passionate; for I know the more I teach the more I learn.

I have three educations: 1) PhD in Musicology,2) Master in Music Education and3) Bachelor in Electrical Engineering.

I have about 20 years teaching experience and I am a California Certified Music Teacher

I speak english, german, swedish and farsi and love to work with people of all ages.

Reviews

mohamedi K. May 27, 2015
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

Both my son (over a year of piano lessons) and now my daughter (just started to learn to sing) take music lessons from Mr. Bijan and they both love it. He has a calm personality and a way with kids which I think brings out the best from his students. Extremely patient and changes the pace as per the students. My son has been learning piano for 3 years and had his moments of struggle but was good to see Mr. Bijan work with him and successfully motivated him to get back on track.

Bijan is a very good guitar instructor. My daughter and I both took guitar lessons and he was able to work with us as individuals since we both had different skill levels. Bijan is very patient with his students and helped us through various learning obstacles. I highly recommend anyone that needs or wants to learn any musical instrument to take lessons from Bijan.

Z M. September 3, 2014
Piano ·
In studio Verified Student

Bijan is a great teacher. He is kind and knowledgeable at the same time. He is patient for all the questions you have.
He gives you good resources and goes with your pace.
I do recommend Bijan for the new and experienced piano learners.

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Bijan Z.

San Diego, CA 92129

(50)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

John S.

About John

Born in Omaha, NE, I have played bass for 25 years - and began teaching bass 15 years ago. I play and teach many contemporary musical styles, and have lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Austin, Texas, and currently reside in San Diego, California.

I began studying Bass in 1987 under guidance of David Valentine and Jim Vaughn (both Principal Bassists with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra), and quickly began performing with the Colorado Springs Community Jazz Big Band, and other local artists and jazz swing small groups.

In the early 1990's and after moving to Denver,

Colorado, I joined the Neil Haverstick Band which often featured popular area vocalists such as Charla Bevan and others. While with the group, I played the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and opened for Coco Montoya and Maria Muldaur. The band was versatile enough to perform a dizzying array of styles - afro-cuban, blues, country, funk, jazz, metal, and rock - and often featured a 45-minute set of original microtonal music, performed on custom built instruments (guitar and bass) fretted with 19-divisions (frets) per octave or 19-tone (equal tempered scale).

When not exploring alternate musical realities, I toured with one of the region's most popular Top 40 Country Cover Bands - Ty Taylor & The Powder River Band. I also performed and recorded with Australian born singer/songwriter Leighton B. Watts as well as other local groups.

I moved from Denver to Austin, Texas in the mid 1990's, and upon arriving met up with singer/songwriter Jim Stricklan and performed at the Austin Music Hall - sharing the stage with Toni Price and Joe Ely. Also while in Austin, I performed and recorded with the Dave Sebree Band, Laffing Sam, John Ussery, Lee Person, and many other local groups...

In the fall of 2000, I relocated to San Diego, California where I currently live and enjoy a busy schedule of performing, recording, and teaching. While in San Diego, I've performed and recorded a variety of music with local and regionally touring bands (cover and original material) with styles ranging from Acoustic, Blues, Contemporary Christian, Country, Flamenco, Funk, Fusion, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Improvisational, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin, Motown, R&B, Rock, and many Singer/Songwriters... these bands have opened for Elvin Bishop, Chris Botti, Tommy Castro, David Sanborn, Earl Thomas, and Walter Trout.

I've been blessed to have the opportunity to perform with Blues/Soul Singer Songwriter John Nemeth, Harmonica Wizard Rob Paparozzi, and Legendary Drummer Bernard Purdie.

I've also been very fortunate to play on many local recording projects and to work with recording engineers/producers Alan Sanderson, and Ray Peterssen.

*** Lesson Details ***Like most teachers, I enjoy seeing and hearing students’ progress. I have found that students progress faster by not only learning mechanics, technique, songs, styles, and music theory, but also understanding how to modify their thought processes with respect to overcoming physical and conceptual barriers; in other words, and musically speaking: learning how to learn.

This involves breaking down and isolating every aspect of playing the bass - instrument stability, left & right hand placement, finger positioning, rhythmic concepts, fret-board familiarity, reading skills, patterns, and choice of notes. It also involves honing other important aspects of playing music such as concentration, determination, observation, patience, problem solving, and repetition. I have been applying this approach since I began teaching electric bass in 1998.

I teach classical & jazz music theory (scales, arpeggios, chords), improvisation, meter, rhythmic patterns, sight-reading, and ear training. Specifically, I help students learn to read music (notes), develop left and right hand finger strength/independence/dexterity, and provide transcriptions of pizzicato, & slap bass-lines as exercises; for all musical styles. I encourage students to create and play their own bass lines - conveying as a skill set a fundamental understanding/interpretation of chord progressions and composition. I also help students learn specific songs and styles they request.

I try to split each lesson roughly 50/50 as far as structured aspects (exercises, reading, technique building, etc.) and working through song requests. I also highly recommend students be open to acquiring a fundamental skill set for playing a variety of generic styles and forms - for example: 12-bar blues, I-IV-V rock, shuffle, 2 beat, waltz, walking jazz/blues swing bass lines, funk pizzicato technique, and funk/slap technique. These are simply guidelines though - ultimately it's up to you how we spend our meeting time.

Essential Items:Most people get started with the obvious basic items (listed in order of importance):

- a bass, strap, tuner, instrument cable, and small practice amplifier/speaker combo. There are a few other items that will facilitate faster progress (again listed in order of importance):

For learning songs, having access to an audio playback device with enhanced bass response and easy, well designed mechanism for fast-forward and rewind within a specific song is very helpful. Your computer, phone, or .mp3 player, by themselves may or may not be ideal for picking out and hearing the bass part unless combined with an significantly upgraded audio system (i.e., sub-woofer, stereo, docking station, etc.).

*The one item that will immediately challenge and push you to a higher level of musicianship is a metronome. Listening to, playing with, and counting with a metronome will facilitate development of your internal sense of time. Learning to become comfortable with the metronome will have a direct impact on how well you are able to synchronize with other musicians when playing together. This is especially true for bassists and drummers as they are responsible for maintaining the tempo/groove of a tune.

Practice:You will need to practice between lessons...

How much? The most important first step is to try to get the bass into your hands every day - 15 minutes every day is a great starting point for new students, with the goal of eventually reaching 30-60 minutes daily.

Try to find a quiet place where you can focus and concentrate without being interrupted or distracted by family, friends, neighbors, room-mates, phone, television, etc.

For practice time spent in the seated position, find a sturdy straight-back chair (without arms) - stay away from couches, recliners, beds, etc. Standing during a portion of your practice sessions is also a good way.

Reviews

Marcie S. June 4, 2014
Upright Bass ·
In studio Verified Student

John is a phenomenal instructor, coach and mentor. He met my son at his level and patiently encouraged him to grow as a musician. His easy-going manner makes him approachable and his vast knowledge, as well as experience, helps the student to expand their musical skills. We like John:)

SusanS March 27, 2011

John has been great for Cameron (our son) Cameron had to take a break for reahearsals for a musical that he was performing in.

DanielK January 21, 2011

exactly what I wanted

Great teacher. Tailored the lesson to my wants and needs. Explanations are easy to understand. Just a very relaxed and cool guy. I left my lesson very inspired to practice and meet again.

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John S.

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John S.

Encinitas, CA 92024

(7)

starting at

$20
/ 30-min

Thomas M.

I never had picked up a Bass Guitar until I was in College. My first month I met two guys who had known eachother from high school and wanted to start a band. They both played Guitar (my main instrument at the time) so I lied through my teeth and told them I played the Bass but I didn't have room to bring it so I'd have to borrow their's. I was currently in my first semester of Music Theory and the tuning is the same as the bottom four strings of a Guitar so I just went for it. They liked me and I was hooked! I was in that band for over 7 years!

I began teaching Bass in 2005 when I joined The School of Rock in Downingtown, Pennsylvania and haven't stopped since! My teaching method uses a lot of Music Theory and popular, noteworthy Bass songs to teach students how to be rock solid as the backbone of a band. I am an expert at figuring songs out by ear so pick your favorite tunes and we can learn to play them! From 'never played before' to 'I wanna learn a Jaco tune (if you don't know

About Thomas

I LOVE to teach and I am looking for a few rad students! I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Music as well as minors in both Religion and Philosophy from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating in 2004, I moved to Philadelphia with my band, The Gravy who had been playing shows all over the East Coast from Vermont to Virginia. I worked in both the Pro Audio and Guitar sections of a large music store which taught me all about gear, recording and live sound. I began working at School of Rock in Downingtown, PA in October of 2005. In May of 2008, I relocated t

o San Diego and began working at the Vista (now Oceanside) branch of the School of Rock where I was Music Director until 2012 when I left to pursuit a more rigorous performance schedule with my band The Blue Moonies as well as my solo project called The Tommy Mitchell Show. Three of my students are just beginning their first year at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I have a home studio in Del Mar complete with Cubase 7.5 Artist.

...

Reviews

Alan J. June 9, 2015
Blues Guitar ·
In studio Verified Student

I've been playing guitar for many years, but Thomas was able to have me look at scales in a new light, and he gave me a good basis for playing the blues. I have several things to practice during the week. Looking forward to the next lesson.

Kevin H. January 12, 2015
Music Performance ·
In studio

Tom is an amazing music instructor! My review won’t even scratch the surface of explaining what a fantastic teacher he is! Tom has taught our 4 children since 2008 when they started at School of Rock (SOR). When Tom left SOR and started giving private lessons, we left SOR because we saw the value Tom gave our children. He does a great job of challenging his students, yet keeping it interesting for them. (He's still teaching our kids after 6 years; they never get bored with his lessons and look forward to them every week!) Tom also does a fantastic job of blending music theory into everything he teaches. Our oldest child has a passion for music, and is now studying music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Tom played a huge part in our son getting into Berklee and giving him the skills he needs to succeed while there. I recommend Tom to any level of student. He is simply the best!

Brody J. January 3, 2015
Guitar ·
In studio

Out of all of the music lessons and music instructors that I ever had, Tom was by far my favorite. Never did a lesson seem boring or monotonous. He knows a wide variety of genres and music styles, and shows incredible passion to Music itself . Some instructors just teach you how to play an instrument, but Tom does more than that, by teaching music theory you not only have the ability to play music, but to understand and even write it as well. I am very grateful for being able to have had him as my guitar instructor and would definitely recommend him to anyone who is serious about learning and playing music.

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Thomas M.

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Thomas M.

Del Mar, CA 92014

(7)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

Tonga R.

I have been playing professionally as a bassist for 15 years for various bands that play many different genres (rock, reggae, jazz, R&B, blues, folk, funk). Bass is a very accessible instrument to learn right from the start, but there are many nuances to learn about to reveal its full potential. I structure my lessons around the student's interest but always incorporate basic fundamentals so that they get the most out of the instrument.

About Tonga

Music is a great passion of mine that I share with everything I do, whether it be through teaching, performing, producing, or recording. I have had the opportunity to study, perform, and teach alongside great individuals in music and continue so to this day.

I have been teaching both private lessons and in various classroom settings for the past 7 years, some of which include teaching at The Bishop's School (La Jolla), UCSD, and California State Summer School for the Arts (Los Angeles).

*** Travel Equipment ***

Yamaha AEX 1500 Hollowbody Guitar

Fender 5 String Jazz Bass

Bose

SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III

Manuscript Paper

**I provide charts/material for the student to work on, through print outs and emailing PDF versions of the source material directly to you

...

Reviews

Lenore June 25, 2015
Guitar ·
In home

Tonga is an excellent musician and a fantastic music teacher. For the last 2 years he has given my two sons (ages 9 &10) lessons in guitar and ukulele. He has also given several lessons to my husband. His love and talent for music show is his lessons. He is reliable, on time, and has a great sense of humor. I highly recommend him as a music teacher for any age student.

Brian O. June 25, 2015
Music Theory ·
In studio

My experience with Tonga has been nothing but great! He is one of those special musicians who can not only play an extremely wide variety of styles, but is equally gifted at teaching them to you. If you are looking for a positive teacher that tailors lessons toward each students individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals then Tonga is your man. I give him my highest recommendation without hesitation!

Chris D. June 24, 2015
Bass Guitar ·
In home

Tonga is a great teacher, I have studied with him over three years and my playing has been improving steadily. He is very good at explaining difficult concepts and relating to any student.

Affordable

Effective

Bass Guitar Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Bass Guitar instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Rudy

"I've been working with David for a couple of months, and it has been a great experience. I'm new to bass, with a little guitar experience--he quickly siz

ed up what I knew and had me working on exercises and a great bass line that got me playing right away. He has been very flexible and accommodating of my schedule needs, and he gives plenty of positive and constructive feedback. I've been working in education for nearly 30 years, and I know a great teacher when I see one. David fits the bill, and I'm lucky to be working with him."

...

Seattle, WA teacher:
David C.

Review by mina

"andrew is a great teacher

i've been taking bass lessons from andrew for several years and have nothing but great things to say about his teaching abiliti

es. he is organized yet flexible, allowing you to take the lessons the direction you want to take it. he can really connect to the way you think and channel that to advance your skills. my only complaint i don't see him enough, but that's my fault."

...

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Andrew M.

Review by Cooper

"Alex is a great teacher. Very patient, and dedicated. I was able to learn a lot about bass very quickly from him. I highly recommend him."

New York, NY teacher:
Alex S.

Review by Mat

"online class is better than i thought...!

the on-line class is great! Eric J made learning the bass guitar easy. he is awesome and he is very patient. ca

nt wait for the next class!"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Eric J.

Review by Doug

"I am not one for writing reviews unless a person or product is exceptionally good, or bad. As a child, I took guitar lessons and the experience made me g

ive it up. Yes, a bad instructor can kill a dream.

Fast forward a few decades and my wife insists that my birthday gift is a bass guitar and instructor (she was tired of seeing me air guitar). I considered lots of potential teaches because I didn't want a repeat of my last experience. I chose Courtney.

He immediately identified and corrected the bad habits that my childhood instructor had taught. Suddenly, I wasn't just playing notes...I was playing music and having the time of my life doing it. Pardon the pun, but Courtney is a rock star!!

His lessons were tailored to me, and he even provided cord call outs (he spoke the notes as he played them) to my wish list songs so I could practice them between lessons. It has been only a few months and I am now jamming to my songs. I am so happy. My wife...well she sometimes wishes for the quieter air guitar days."

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Courtney K.

Review by Hal

"Spiros is great! I've been taking bass lessons from him for a couple of years now and thanks to him, I can actually play now! He's a good teacher, teachin

g both elements of theory and also how to get the "feel" of music, and he's also fun to be around. I can say that without his lessons and the music he's sent me, I would not be nearly as good as I am today, nor as motivated to learn more."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Spiros S.

Review by Ben

"Kyle is a great bass teacher. He always made sure that I understood the material and what I was supposed to practice during the week. I progressed more

with Kyle than with either of my prior 2 teachers. He also always has a smile on his face! Take lessons from Kyle!"

...

Nashville, TN teacher:
Kyle H.

Review by Cameron

"After signing up for lessons with David L. I knew I made the right choice. Just after a couple of weeks I didn't see him as a teacher but as a best friend

. There was always a relaxed atmosphere during the lessons. He was very easy to talk to and he really listen to you. If I ever had a question he would answer. He tailors to what ever you want to do in that lesson. David L. is a great teacher and a friend. I totally recommend him for anyone"